The Iranian government is preparing to execute Bita Hemmati, the first woman to face the death penalty for participating in government protests this year. Iranian officials are finalizing arrangements for the execution of Hemmati, who is the first prominent female protester to receive a death sentence following the nationwide anti-regime protests in January. Approximately 1,600 people have already been sentenced to death in connection with these protests.
Charges Against Bita Hemmati and Legal Proceedings
According to a press release from the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Bita Hemmati faces multiple charges, including the use of explosives and weapons, throwing objects such as concrete blocks, participating in protest rallies, and obstructing national security. The government agencies forcibly suppressed the protests that spread rapidly across cities in January, leading to mass arrests, expedited trials, and an increasing list of death sentences.
Sentencing of Husband and Co-accused
Bita Hemmati's husband, Mohammadreza Majid Asl, has also been sentenced to death. In addition to the couple, two other men, Behrouz and Kourosh Zamaninezhad, who resided in the same apartment building, were found guilty following their trial and sentenced to death. The court has also ordered the seizure of their properties, while a fifth accused, Amir Hemmati, a relative of Bita, was sentenced to approximately six years in prison for gathering and colluding against national security and spreading propaganda against the government.
Rising Execution Rates and Human Rights Concerns
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, the Iranian government accused the individuals of conducting operational actions for enemy governments and groups, specifically mentioning the United States. Reports indicate a sharp increase in executions in Iran, with projections suggesting more than 1,400 executions in 2025, primarily targeting protesters. Human rights organizations have condemned these actions, highlighting the government's use of the death penalty to intimidate the opposition. Data shows that between 2010 and 2024, 125 women were executed in Iran.